Round the Bays Wellington is on Sunday 14 February 2027. Choose the classic 8.4 km fun run (with a 5.5 km family shortcut) or the certified half marathon, from Waitangi Park around the harbour bays to Kilbirnie Park. The 8.4 km starts at 9 am, there is a finishers' festival at Kilbirnie Park, and free buses run back to Courtenay Place from 10 am to 2 pm. Entry starts at $35 for adults and rises closer to race day.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Sunday 14 February 2027; 8.4 km starts 9 am
- Course
- Waitangi Park to Kilbirnie Park along the harbour bays
- Distances
- 8.4 km (with a 5.5 km family shortcut) and a certified half marathon
- Entry
- Adult 8.4 km $35 to $65, child $18 to $29, half marathon $80 to $125, depending on when you enter; infants 0 to 4 free
- Bib collection
- Public Trust Hall, 131-135 Lambton Quay: Friday 12 February 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
- Getting home
- Free event buses from Kilbirnie Park, 10 am to 2 pm, to Courtenay Place
What it is
Round the Bays is New Zealand’s best-known fun run series, and 2027 marks 55 years since the first one. Wellington’s edition is on Sunday 14 February 2027, running along the harbour’s waterfront bays from Waitangi Park to Kilbirnie Park.
Distances
- Half marathon: a certified course endorsed by Athletics Wellington, for people chasing a time
- 8.4 km fun run: the classic distance, for runners, joggers and walkers
- 5.5 km family shortcut: not a separate entry; start in the 8.4 km field and peel off at the 5.5 km signs
You pick a start group by expected time: elite (under 36 minutes), runner, jogger or walker. If in doubt, start further back, because your time only begins when you cross the start mats. Buggies and pushchairs go in the walker group.
Entry
Prices rise as race day gets closer. For an adult 8.4 km entry it is $35 (early October), $40 (to 8 November), $50 (to 31 January) and $65 in February. Child (5 to 15) entries are $18 to $29, and the half marathon is $80 to $125. Infants 0 to 4 are free. Entries are not refundable but can be transferred for $20 plus card fees. Every finisher gets a medal and access to the finishers’ festival.
Race morning
Collect your bib from the Public Trust Hall, 131-135 Lambton Quay, on Friday 12 February (8 am to 6 pm) or Saturday 13 February (10 am to 4 pm). On the day:
- 6.30 am: half marathon gear drop and info tent open (Waitangi Park, corner of Herd Street)
- 7.30 am: half marathon runners at the start; half marathon gear drop closes
- 8.30 am: 8.4 km gear drop closes; all 8.4 km entrants at the start
- 9 am: 8.4 km start
- 9.45 am: finishers’ festival with music, food and giveaways at Kilbirnie Park
- 10 am to 2 pm: free buses back to Courtenay Place
Gear drop is on the corner of Cable Street and Oriental Parade. No valuables, backpacks or handbags.
Who it suits
Everyone, from first-time walkers and families to half marathon runners. Teams and workplaces raise money for charity.
Getting there
Public transport is the easiest option, because parking near the start and finish is limited and roads close for the event. Waitangi Park is a short walk from the central city.
Where to stay
The waterfront, Te Aro and Courtenay Place are all within walking distance of the start. Our things to do in Wellington guide covers the areas.
What to bring
Organisers recommend bringing your own drink bottle, as there are only a few water stations. Wellington wind is famous, so pack a layer for after the finish.
Make a trip of it
Spend the rest of the weekend at Te Papa, on the cable car and around the harbour with our things to do in Wellington guide.
FAQ
When is Round the Bays Wellington 2027?
Can I walk it or bring a pram?
What is the 5.5 km shortcut?
How do I get back to town?
Can I get a refund?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
